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I am often asked how I first started
doing makeup and my usual response generally depicts my love of fine
art, painting and drawing and how it transitioned to “painting”
faces. While this explanation is true, there is another far more
personal tale of my love for makeup that rarely gets told.

Growing up I had a very poor self
esteem and little self confidence. I would often spend my time
comparing myself to others imagining what my life would be like if I
had their life instead of mine. My mirror served as a constant
reminder of all that I thought I lacked and all that I thought I
needed. But then, something happened...a miracle if you will...I was
allowed to wear makeup!

I must have been around fifteen or so
when I was finally given the green light to start wearing makeup.
From then on, it was a rare occasion that I would spend less than two
hours putting on eyeshadow, foundation, lipstick, mascara, you name
it. No one would would ever see that ugly duckling again so long as
that powder compact was in close reach, which of course it always
was.

My two hour routine went on for quite a
few years before I realized there was some inner healing that needed
to take place, which thank God it has. I now have confidence and can
walk out of the house sans makeup and still feel beautiful (although
I still love getting dolled up when time allots). But I have learned
that it is not the makeup that makes the woman, the woman makes the
makeup. Makeup is meant to enhance beauty, not define it. However,
getting a little polished did help usher the way for me to see myself
in a different light allowing me to be more comfortable in my own
skin until I was able to be restored from within.

As a makeup artist, I get to give this
same gift to everyone that sits in my chair. I cannot tell you the
number of times I have had people sit in my chair to get made up and
when they see themselves they start to cry because they feel
beautiful. Our bodies are temples and just like a temple, sometimes a
fresh coat of paint invites us in to further appreciate everything
that lies within. Please understand that I am not saying that
cosmetics are the only way to feel beautiful, but it can be one
avenue. It has been a door that has led to many positive changes and
outlooks for numerous women.

It brings me great joy when I am able
to show someone just how a few simple makeup tricks can transform
them into the beautiful swan that they are, which is why I am so
excited to announce my next project...Everyday Beauty.

I wanted to do a makeover series that
captured the essence of natural beauty. Originally, I was going to
ask for a few volunteers, do makeovers and snap a few pictures
myself, but then the lovely Serena Star of Serena Star Photography
caught wind and jumped on board offering her amazing photography
services. Serena shares the same heart for encouraging women to feel
beautiful in who they are and was so excited to be able to join
forces for this project.

With that said, this is where you come
in to play. We need faces. We are not looking for “models” so to
speak, we are just looking for women of all shapes, sizes and ages
who are looking to experience that everyday beauty. If you think this
is you, read below to tell us why you should be chosen to receive an
Everyday Beauty makeover and photo shoot.

Stay tuned for the pictures from our
shoot!

Beauty and blessings,

Mariluz

Everyday Beauty Makeover &
Shoot Details

Here are the details for the
Everyday Beauty Makeover (read here for the motive behind this
contest) and Shoot with Mariluz West and Serena Star. We are looking
for women of all ages, shapes and sizes who would be interested in
getting a makeover. You do not need to be a model to participate. You
must be willing to take a before picture. However, we are not looking
for those before pictures where everything is done possible to make
you look your worst. Come how you would normally dress and wear your
makeup. You must be willing to have your pictures published and sign
a release form to participate. Pictures will be displayed on the
mariluzwest.com blog and website, Serena Star Website, social
networking sites and other sites/publications for promotional uses.
The location of the shoot will take place at the photographer's
studio in Pittsgrove, NJ. Participants are responsible to cover any
travel expenses to the the studio. The date for the shoot is to be
determined.

How to enter:

Interested participants are
asked to submit a brief explanation in writing as to why they feel
they should be chosen for the shoot and why they would like a
makeover. Please include name, email address, contact phone and age
in your message. All entries should be emailed to
info@mariluzwest.com by
April 28, 2012. Winning participants will be notified
via email by May 5, 2012.

10 Comments to Everyday Beauty and Contest:

-Hannah Goodenough
-cell 2156786730
- 20 years old
Well, to start off, modeling is a deep passion of mine . I as well never had confident in myself growing up. I was always the taller girl who stood around 5'6, 5'7 while all my friends were around 5'2 or shorter. So at that time I use to wish I was shorter. I envyed the fact that they could wear high heels, I wouldn't even go near those things or else I would look like a giant.
I recently started modeling a couple months ago and for once I finally feel confident being tall. I can actually wear high heels and feel good about myself , not caring about what others think. Modeling is something I absolutely love doing but I also take my work very seriously . Also, this opportunity could really help out my portfolio

Hi hun, well i have dealt with secret deep depression and very low self esteem my whole life. I would always be complimented on my beauty but i just couldn't see what everyone else could see. It took 27 years to realize the true beauty within and to see who i really was and then it was easier to see the outwardly beauty in the mirror. It took this long to not look in the mirror and complain and cry about my flaws. I have just now been able to embrace my Beyonce curves and not see them as flaws because i wasn't as boney as the other girls and I want to continue my transformation. I have now become attracted to the different kinds of make up to enhance true beauty. I am so thankful for God transforming me and my thought processes and i want to continue this walk and be able to use my testimony to help other woman that struggle with what i was dealing with and i thank God that he gave u the talent and passion to be able to transform women, even though it is physically, that leaves Him to change their inner self and show women who God really made us to be!

Im a 68 year young lady .A retail sales manager and a minister of the gospel. I rarely see advertisements for women my age who want to put their best face forward. i know deep inside each of us is a beautiful woman who wants to spring forth with confidence and feel good about themselves as we get older. Its never too late . I thank GOd for the gift he has placed inside you and your willingness to share and teach others how to be their very best at any age. God Bless You.

Thank you for the great article I did enjoyed reading it, I will be sure to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back from again. I want to encourage that you continue your great job, have a good day.

Beauty is a characteristic of a person, animal, place, object, or idea that provides a perceptual experience of pleasure or satisfaction. so various types of skin care and specialist tips are needed. thanks for the lovely post.